Karwar: Officers of Food Safety and Health Department conducted surprise raids on around 12 hotels in Karwar City on Monday and seized food substances which are detrimental to public health.

The raids were conducted as the officers had received several complaints of hotels using artificial colours and taste enhancers to make the food look more attractive and to improve its taste.

“This is for the first time that such a raid is being conducted. Hotel owners and chefs there have been given warning by serving notice. They have been asked not to use such colours and taste enhancers as they are dangerous for the health. Such raids will continue and fines will be slapped on the violators,” said Food Safety Officer Kashi Bhat. District Surveillance Officer Vinod Bhute was also present.